B-scan ultrasonography of ocular abnormalities: a review of 182 dogs

Ultrasonography is the only practical method for obtaining images of the posterior segment of the eye when the light-conducting media are opaque. In this study, 182 dogs with ocular abnormalities presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology from December 2008-August 2010 were included. All the animals were subjected to detailed ophthalmic examination and B-scan ultrasonography of the eyes with a 7.5-18 MHz linear probe. Ultrasonography revealed thin hyperechoic lines of the lens indicating early cataract changes in 40 cases. In 10 cases, thin hyperechoic rims around the lens suggestive of cortical cataract wereevident. In 82 cases, the entire lens was echogenically consistent with complete cataract (nuclear cataract). In 3 cases the capsule appeared wrinkled, suggesting morgagnian cataract. To obtain images from the posterior segment of the eye, a 7.5-12 MHz linear probe was used. In two cases, there was sub-luxation of the lens, while in 14 cases, retinal detachment was observed. Complicated retinal detachments had occurred in four cases. Posterior vitreal degeneration was seen in 15 dogs. Ultrasonography revealed vitreal hemorrhage in 10 cases and asteroid hyalosis and optic nerve avulsion in one case each.